117: Three Visits to the Temple! (Two-in-One)

Cuier let out an "ah," her small face wrinkling as she said indignantly, "They are too wicked, aren't they?"

"With those armies stationed nearby, they wouldn't be planning to forcibly demolish the temple, would they? If so, once we go out, we must gather all the Believers! We have to stop them!"

A bearded Believer shouted loudly.

"Right!!!"

"We absolutely cannot let them destroy the temple!"

"Even if we have to risk our old lives, we can't let them have their way!"

"..."

Several Believers quickly made up their minds.

A man and a woman stayed behind to look after Cuier, while the other Believers left. They were going to rally the Believers and clash with the army!

Cuier paced back and forth inside the temple, her small face puffed up in anger like a steamed bun.

"They are so bad! Brother, please come back quickly!"

Cuier went to the altar, stood on her tiptoes, and hugged the calf of the statue.

At that moment, the statue suddenly emitted a faint golden light that shone upon Cuier's face.

Cuier could see this miracle and immediately showed a look of surprise and joy.

"Brother! You're back!"

Naturally, this was now Yu Mengzhang's merit golden body, which served as a Clone.

Yu Mengzhang emerged from within in his golden figure state.

Landing beside Cuier, he gently rubbed her head. "Don't be afraid, I'm back."

Cuier giggled and hugged the thigh of the Gu Tiandu statue, saying proudly, "Cuier isn't afraid at all! With Brother here, no bad person can hurt Cuier."

Yu Mengzhang smiled faintly and looked outside.

The distant army fell entirely within his sight.

Because the merit golden body here was already complete, he hadn't paid much attention to them.

Now, the Heaven Dou Empire had indeed initiated hostilities.

In that case, he might as well just destroy those conspirators.

Rumble...!!!

At this moment, thick dark clouds appeared in the sky, spreading in all directions until the daylight was completely obscured.

The entire world seemed to skip directly past the afternoon and into the evening.

Yu Mengzhang nodded slightly. After a year, due to the Dragon Qi, Karma, and his own cultivation, his Soul Power had reached level forty-nine.

In the coming days, he could conveniently become a Spirit King here.

Meanwhile, his main body was still rushing toward this location.

"Those bad people will definitely be scared to death!" Cuier clapped her hands in delight.

Yu Mengzhang smiled and rubbed her head. "Cuier, do you want to go home first or rest here?"

"I'll stay with Brother!" Cuier said without hesitation.

"...Very well."

Yu Mengzhang shook his head slightly.

In reality, his merit golden body could also cultivate, and the progress would count toward his main body.

Therefore, in addition to his already Heaven-Defying Aptitude, this merit golden body was constantly cultivating, which was equivalent to two Yu Mengzhangs cultivating at all times!

Naturally, his Soul Power increased rapidly!

However, since Cuier was willing to stay, he would just wait a while longer... A moment later.

Outside the Azure Dragon Temple.

Two figures descended from the sky; they were the siblings Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua.

As Tang Yuehua landed on the ground, she stumbled, nearly knocked over by the strong wind.

Tang Xiao supported her and said helplessly, "Sister, tell me, why did you come? You could have just let your big brother come alone."

Tang Yuehua steadied herself and looked at Tang Xiao, her voice crisp. "I felt that Big Brother might not necessarily be willing to follow through, and might just go through the motions to deceive me."

Tang Xiao's face flushed red as he muttered, "Sister, what kind of image do you have of your big brother?"

"Since I promised you I would come, how could I lie to you?"

"It's just that you want me to lower my posture, but that High Priest is said to be from Yu Yuanzhen's grandson's generation..."

Tang Xiao stammered, clearly unhappy.

Tang Yuehua glared at him. "I knew it! That's why I had to come personally. Don't speak out of turn later; you must respect the Priest!"

"..." Facing Tang Yuehua's sharp gaze, Tang Xiao nodded helplessly. "Fine, fine, fine, I promise you."

Tang Yuehua then withdrew her gaze in satisfaction, walked to the temple door, and knocked twice.

Knock knock...!

Tang Xiao felt quite helpless in his heart.

He was unwilling to come, firstly because he didn't want to bow and scrape before two children.

Secondly, he had discussed this place with Yu Yuanzhen, and both had agreed not to interfere and to stay as far away as possible.

Yet, just after leaving the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he was dragged here by his sister.

It made it look like he was saying one thing to someone's face while doing another behind their back.

Looking up at the dark clouds in the sky, Tang Xiao sighed inwardly.

Perhaps this strange celestial phenomenon was also one of the reasons that changed his mind.

The door opened.

Tang Yuehua entered first.

"High Priest, Little Priestess..."

Tang Yuehua greeted them respectfully and then went to pay her respects to the statue.

Tang Xiao followed behind, and seeing this scene, he felt beyond embarrassed.

If he had a choice, he would never have followed suit.

Tang Yuehua looked back at Tang Xiao, her eyes full of threatening intent.

Tang Xiao had no choice but to mimic Tang Yuehua and perform the full set of rituals.

His sharp, chiseled face turned red.

Yu Mengzhang looked at the two of them with a calm gaze and asked, "What have you come for?"

Tang Yuehua and Tang Xiao stood up.

Tang Xiao remained silent, looking at Tang Yuehua.

Tang Yuehua said solemnly, "In response to the High Priest, we know what the Heaven Dou Empire intends to do, and we do not agree with it. On the contrary, the actions of the temple are more worthy of love and respect."

"If the temple needs any help, the Clear Sky Sect is willing to cooperate and contribute our humble efforts."

Tang Yuehua looked at Yu Mengzhang expectantly.

This was an attempt to tie the Clear Sky Sect to the Azure Dragon Temple's chariot.

Doing so would mean a break with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family!

Tang Xiao's expression changed drastically, but looking at Tang Yuehua's profile, he said nothing.

"There is no need," Yu Mengzhang shook his head slightly, completely indifferent.

Tang Yuehua was stunned for a moment. The Clear Sky Sect was the head of the Upper Three Sects; they had taken the initiative to form an alliance, yet they were being given the cold shoulder?

"High Priest, our Clear Sky Sect currently has five Titled Douluo..."

Tang Yuehua began to reveal the strength of the Clear Sky Sect.

One must know that the second of the Upper Three Sects, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, only had two Titled Douluo, and the third, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, had only one.

The Clear Sky Sect had more than the other two combined!

In terms of Spirit Master strength, they were second only to Spirit Hall.

How could they be rejected?

Tang Xiao also looked at Yu Mengzhang with some indignation.

Being unwilling to join was one thing, but now being looked down upon by the other party made Tang Xiao feel even more stifled!

They were looking down on the Clear Sky Sect too much, weren't they?

Yu Mengzhang remained unmoved and said calmly, "No more words are necessary. If there is nothing else, then go back."

"..."

Both Tang Yuehua and Tang Xiao were dumbfounded, unable to speak for a moment.

They both had the feeling that the Clear Sky Sect was being treated with disdain... Just then, a sudden knocking sound came from outside.

Knock knock knock...

"High Priest, I am Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. I request an audience."

Ning Fengzhi said warmly.

Tang Xiao's face flushed red. He instinctively grabbed Tang Yuehua's shoulder and hid to one side of the door, concealing their figures.

"..."

Tang Yuehua's mouth twitched slightly.

Yu Mengzhang ignored the siblings and with a wave of his hand, the door opened.

Outside, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo were standing at the entrance. Upon seeing him, they immediately bowed in greeting.

"High Priest, I will not enter. I have some words I hope to say to the High Priest," Ning Fengzhi said respectfully.

"What is it?" Yu Mengzhang asked.

The Tang siblings, hidden to the side of the door, both had their expressions change slightly upon hearing Ning Fengzhi's arrival.

Tang Yuehua looked at Tang Xiao suspiciously. Earlier, Tang Xiao had been unwilling to come, saying that the three families had agreed not to get involved and would remain neutral.

Now that Ning Fengzhi had suddenly appeared, he was clearly saying one thing and doing another!

"The Heaven Dou Empire is going to target the Azure Dragon Temple. Although Feng Zhi is the teacher of the Crown Prince and has tried his best to mediate, alas... the Nobles are powerful, and I am powerless."

"So now I have come specifically to warn the High Priest. At the same time, I also wish to ask, to what extent will the High Priest go?"

Ning Fengzhi asked.

He was tied too deeply to the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.

It was impossible for him to get too close to the Azure Dragon Temple openly.

But knowing the strength of the Azure Dragon Temple, he was also unwilling to be dragged down by the Heaven Dou Imperial Family.

By offering a favor now, he hoped he wouldn't be targeted later.

Yu Mengzhang glanced at Ning Fengzhi. This was a smart man who could tell from the dark clouds he had arranged that he was going to do something big this time.

Indeed, he was not the type to just turn the other cheek.

When the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and the Nobles first targeted him, they sent a thug to attempt an assassination.

He had responded by killing the head of the Heaven Dou Empire's Nobles right in the Imperial Court.

He had also directly destroyed more than half of the Imperial Palace.

Now that the Heaven Dou Imperial Family had mobilized an army and was preparing for real combat.

How could he possibly talk about resolving misunderstandings or retracting his claws?

He would definitely strike hard once and for all!

Let those Nobles know the wrath of the Azure Dragon Divine Lord!

Since they had no reverence for the gods and dared to provoke Divine Might, they must be punished!

Seeing Yu Mengzhang's silence, Ning Fengzhi's heart suddenly trembled, realizing that the other party might truly be about to take drastic action!

The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was not far outside Heaven Dou City; they couldn't afford to be caught in the crossfire!

"Feng Zhi understands..."

"If the Divine Lord or the High Priest have any need for Feng Zhi's assistance, please do not hesitate to command me."

Ning Fengzhi adopted a very humble attitude, and after speaking, he took his leave.

Yu Mengzhang watched their figures disappear into the sky.

Both Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, they hadn't been discovered; otherwise, the meeting would have been far too awkward!

"Big Brother, do you still think we shouldn't have come?"

Tang Yuehua whispered.

Tang Xiao shook his head repeatedly. He knew of Ning Fengzhi's wisdom.

Since even Ning Fengzhi had come specifically, it proved that what he was doing now was correct.

Compared to the Azure Dragon Temple, the Heaven Dou Empire was simply not on the same level!

"Sister, we..."

Tang Xiao and Tang Yuehua were just about to step out.

Suddenly, another wave of familiar Soul Power fluctuations appeared outside.

Tang Xiao's pupils constricted, and his mouth hung open as a name sat on the tip of his tongue.

Yu Yuanzhen...!

This First Master Yu, who like him had stated he would not interfere, had actually come in person!

Good grief, the three of them had all said the same thing, yet they had all come!

This was beyond awkward!

Tang Xiao hurriedly pulled Tang Yuehua back against the wall to prevent Yu Yuanzhen from seeing them.

Outside, Yu Yuanzhen hadn't actually come alone; he had brought the Village Chief with him, landing at the temple entrance.

Yu Yuanzhen held his hands behind his back and said calmly, "Your Village Chief misses you very much and is also quite worried about you. I have brought him here to fulfill your Family ties."

"..." Yu Mengzhang glanced at Yu Yuanzhen.

Yu Yuanzhen tilted his chin up, putting on an air that suggested it was merely for that reason.

The Village Chief looked at Yu Mengzhang, and a kind, affectionate smile immediately appeared on his wrinkled face as he walked forward quickly.

"Mengzhang... it's been a year since we last met."

The Village Chief came to his side, raised his hand and held it in mid-air, his eyes full of the weariness of time as he spoke with emotion.

After not seeing him for a year, Yu Mengzhang's changes were even more pronounced.

Especially that air of nobility about him; it made people not even dare to look at him directly.

Even people of great wealth and status like Tang Yuehua and Ning Fengzhi didn't dare look into his eyes, which showed how significant it was.

Furthermore, Yu Mengzhang was now taller than the Village Chief.

Yu Mengzhang grasped the Village Chief's hand and said with a smile, "Village Chief, are the uncles and aunts doing well?"

Although he hadn't met with the villagers, he had spread Karma to that area.

Almost all the villagers would live to be a hundred years old, free from disaster and disease.

"Good, they are all doing well... it's just that everyone is very worried about you, Mengzhang. How did you end up provoking the Empire?"

"This... your Uncle Shugen came over yesterday but was driven away by the army and even beaten. They said no one is allowed to come... Fortunately, the Clan Chief brought me here. I just wanted to see you and make sure you aren't being bullied..."

The Village Chief looked worried. In his heart, the Empire was the most powerful thing in the world.

If the Azure Dragon Temple offended the Heaven Dou Empire, wouldn't it be finished?

"Mengzhang, why don't you just run away? Come back to the village. Our village is wealthy now and can support you. And this little girl too."

The Village Chief said with concern.

Yu Mengzhang shook his head slightly and comforted him, "Village Chief, don't worry, there will be no problem. The Azure Dragon Temple will not be destroyed by the Empire, and I will not be hurt."

The Village Chief was still somewhat incredulous. "Really?"

"Of course..."

At this point, Yu Yuanzhen spoke up, "Old Brother, you can rest assured. Mengzhang is, after all, of our Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan Bloodline. If things truly get dangerous, I will not sit by and watch. I can at least protect his life."

The Village Chief breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this and bowed repeatedly to Yu Yuanzhen.

Compared to Yu Mengzhang's reassurances, he believed Yu Yuanzhen's guarantee more.

Yu Mengzhang looked at the other man and nodded slightly. "Thank you."

What he was thanking him for was naturally not the guarantee, as that was of no use to him.

Rather, it was for the fact that the other man could help him put the Village Chief's mind at ease.

"I am serious. No matter how many flaws the Family has in your eyes, one point will never be wrong: we are Family. We share the blessings and face the hardships together!"

Yu Yuanzhen said solemnly.

Suddenly, a sharp intake of breath was heard from within the temple.

"Who?!" Yu Yuanzhen said in surprise.

"Don't be nervous, First Master Yu, it's me..."

At that moment, the Tang siblings walked out from the temple.

Upon seeing them, Yu Yuanzhen's face turned bright red, and he said through gritted teeth, "Why are you two here?!"

Tang Xiao's face also turned red. He slapped his forehead, regretting that he shouldn't have come out, and pointed at Tang Yuehua. "My sister insisted on bringing me. But what about you, First Master Yu?"

Yu Yuanzhen was also dumbfounded. He had also said he wouldn't get involved.

And he had just said all those things.

"I... I came to accompany my Old Brother..."